Meguru – Chain of Life
Documentary Film Showing and Director’s Talk
On February 13, 2012, The Embassy of Japan hosted Japanese film director, Ms. Kaori Ishii, for a showing of her documentary film, Meguru – Chain of Life.
Meguru provides a unique look inside the world of a rare artisan, Mr. Fujimoto. Mr. Fujimoto performs the traditional Japanese form of kimono print dyeing known as “mokuhanzome”. This unique and almost-forgotten technique has been preserved by only a handful of people including Mr. Fujimoto.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ishikawa gave his impression of the film, and spoke of the importance of “kizuna”, or bonds, which tie together generations of families such as Mr. Fujimoto and his son. Ambassador Ishikawa also spoke of the symbolism of the “sakura”, or cherry blossoms, which appear in the film, and which also represent renewal and the arrival of spring in Japan.
Ms. Ishii screened her film to an audience of over 110 people and then participated in a question and answer session. The question and answer session was chaired by Dr. Mitsuyo Wada-Marciano, Associate Professor of Film Studies at Carleton University. The audience was eager to participate and Ms. Ishii’s answers provided further insight into the making of her film, as well as her future projects. In attendance were the Honourable Bryon Wilfert with his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilfert, and His Excellency, Karel Zebrakovsky, Ambassador of the Czech Republic.
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Audience members participating
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(from left) Ms. Ishii, Ambassador Ishikawa,
Dr. Wada-Marciano |
